5 Car Sing-Along Songs That Aren’t Incredibly Terrible

So you’re chaperoning this month’s class trip and now you’re trapped in the car with several little people who are amped up on sugar and super excited to visit the museum/zoo/Renaissance Fair.

There’s a lot of energy and that can quickly take a dark turn down the road of every parent’s nightmare: 99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.

This is why it’s important to be pro-active, and suggest an alternative that – while perhaps not exactly pleasant – doesn’t leave you with a migraine. For anyone who’s ever wished for death during “The Song That Never Ends,” here’s a list of not-so-terribly annoying car sing-along songs for kids:

1. Do Your Ears Hang Low?

This song has some exciting hand motions and the physical aspects help distract kids who have a hard time sitting still.

2. Apples and Bananas

I’m an adult and I still get a kick out of eeping eeples and beneenees.

3. She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain

No one really understands what this song is about but everyone knows the words. #win

4. John Jacob Jingleheimer-Schmidt

This is risky, because there’s definitely a shouting component around the middle/end… But but but there are also several WHISPERED verses. It’s a trade-off, for sure, and it’s a personal choice as to whether it’s one you’re willing to make.

5. If You’re Happy and You Know It

Inspires positive thinking and also there’s clapping, which is fun.

What would you add to this list? More importantly, which song drives you so totally crazy you can’t think straight?